How I Turned the Tables on a Book Review Scam

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Maybe I missed a few great opportunities because I was too suspicious, but my experience as an indie author has taught me that many emails promising book reviews or placement in reader groups are usually scams — designed to make a quick buck off unsuspecting writers. These offers often arrive right after publishing a new book, claiming to boost exposure, improve sales, or provide honest reviews.

These days, instead of ignoring them immediately, I sometimes enjoy having a little fun by turning the tables — and making the scammers wait.

The messages usually arrive shortly after a book release. Either directly to my email or via Facebook Messenger. They gush about how my book stood out among so many others.

Want an example?

Looks convincing enough, right?

Or not. 🙂

This time, I decided to play along.